Driver Ananda gets support from Akbar<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives (DPR) speaker Akbar
\nTandjung threw his weight behind young racing driver Ananda
\nMikola's bid for success in the International Formula 3000 series
\nin Italy next year.<\/p>\n
Akbar also urged Indonesian companies to support Ananda by
\nsponsoring him. Ananda is one of 30 drivers competing in the
\nF3000 series from April to September.<\/p>\n
Akbar quoted Ananda as saying in a brief meeting on Wednesday
\nthat some 450 million auto racing fans around the globe,
\nincluding Indonesia, would watch the F3000 race series either
\nlive or on television.<\/p>\n
\"He raced for years and now he has joined the F3000; only one
\nstep left before the Formula One series. He is the pride of the
\nnation as he has proved to be an Indonesian who can steer his
\ncareer to an international sports event.<\/p>\n
\"It means that Indonesia still can produce a world-class
\nracer, who can bring a positive image of our nation to the world.
\nWe support him and we also ask Indonesian corporations to help
\nhim by sponsorship,\" Akbar told reporters after meeting with
\nAnanda and his entourage, including his father Tinton Soeprapto
\nand his British manager Piers Hunnisett.<\/p>\n
It was Ananda's latest visit to top government officials. The
\n19-year old driver has earlier visited chairman of the National
\nSports Council (KONI) Wismoyo Arismunandar and former president
\nB.J. Habibie.<\/p>\n
The round continues although the government has changed. He
\nhas also met with Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, the
\nState Minister of Tourism and Arts Hidayat Jaelani, the State
\nMinister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela and the
\nMinister of Transportation Agum Gumelar.<\/p>\n
All the officials have pledged to support Ananda starting from
\nhis participation in the F3000 rally to Formula 1.<\/p>\n
Tinton said that Ananda was seeking recognition to help his
\npromotion to the international racing elite.<\/p>\n
\"We are not asking for help in finding sponsorship here. We
\nwant acknowledgment so that people will be certain about Ananda's
\nquality,\" he said. (ivy)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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